Your mouth is home to hundreds of different types of bacteria. Although it’s easy to imagine all of them will cause trouble for your smile, there are plenty that can actually do good! Probiotics are some that can be beneficial for your gum health, helping prevent periodontal disease. Here’s what you need to know about how they boost your grin and what you can do to get enough of them.
First Off, What Are Probiotics?
In short, probiotics are live microorganisms that are used to aid in your overall well-being. You might’ve heard they are used in your gut, as they maintain your intestinal barrier. They inhibit harmful microbes, meaning your immune system will be boosted, as about 70% of it is located here. However, the same concept can be applied to helping with your gums!
How Are Probiotics Good for My Gums?
As was mentioned above, your mouth has hundreds of different bacteria in it. Some are good, and others are bad, but when they are balanced, your oral health is in great shape. When the harmful kind starts to overtake the beneficial ones, that’s what leads to cavities and periodontal disease.
Probiotics help level out the playing field once again; that way, the soft tissues in your mouth have less plaque and lower inflammation. A recent study even found that there is a noticeable difference, even after just about eight weeks, between someone who regularly gets probiotics and those who don’t.
What Can I Do to Get Enough Probiotics?
That said, your next question might be what you can do to ensure you get enough of this beneficial microbe. Thankfully, it can be as easy as enjoying some fermented foods, such as:
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Yogurt
- Sauerkraut
- Cottage cheese
- Salt-brine pickles
You can also get a dietary supplement if you aren’t the biggest fan of the choices laid out above. Doing what works for you and your smile can help you get what you need to avoid gum disease. Better yet, all it may take is just enjoying a cup of yogurt in the morning.
About the Author
Dr. Sean Brown earned his dental degree from the University of Buffalo and completed his AEGD residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He is dedicated to helping the Doylestown community get the stronger smiles they love with reliable services, like preventive care and gum disease treatment. That way, you can do your best to avoid or manage it. If you want to make sure the soft tissues in your mouth are in great shape, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Brown’s office at (215) 348-2224.